What are the responsibilities of Building Safety Act domestic clients?

Since its inception, the Building Safety Act has been reshaping how the construction industry addresses safety. With many in the industry still getting to grips with Building Safety Act compliance and what it means for them, the more nuanced sides of the law are coming further into the spotlight.

While much of the focus is on commercial projects, Building Safety Act domestic clients also have critical responsibilities under the legislation. Understanding these roles is essential for construction main contractors and subcontractors, who often assume these duties when working on domestic construction projects.

In this blog, we’ll explore the responsibilities of Building Safety Act domestic clients, clarify their duties and distinguish them from commercial clients.

What is the Building Safety Act and how does it describe domestic clients?

Introduced as a response to the increased focus on safety and accountability in construction, the Building Safety Act is designed to improve the safety and quality of buildings in the UK. This legislation establishes clearer roles and responsibilities for all stakeholders involved in construction projects, ensuring safety is prioritised throughout the building’s lifecycle.

A domestic client, as defined by the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations (CDM), is any individual who commissions construction work on their home or that of a family member. The key distinction is that the work must be for domestic, non-business purposes. Examples include homeowners adding extensions, undertaking renovations or building new homes.

However, it’s important to know that organisations such as housing associations, charities or landlords commissioning work on domestic properties are not considered domestic clients, as their involvement is linked to business purposes.

What are the responsibilities of domestic clients under the Building Safety Act?

For domestic clients, Building Safety Act compliance means focusing on safety throughout a project’s lifecycle. Key responsibilities include:

Managing the project: Domestic clients must ensure enough time and resources are allocated to comply with building regulations. This includes appointing designers and contractors capable of delivering safe, compliant outcomes.

Providing building information: Domestic clients should supply any information they have regarding the property, including past work, surveys or mortgage application records. This information helps construction contractors and designers make informed decisions about safety and compliance.

Appointing dutyholders: When multiple contractors and designers are involved, Building Safety Act domestic clients are responsible for appointing:

• A principal designer to oversee design work.
• A principal contractor to manage the building phase.

If no formal appointments are made, the contractor or designer leading the project will automatically assume these roles.

Who takes responsibility when there is a domestic client?

Unlike commercial projects, where clients retain full responsibility, Building Safety Act domestic client duties typically transfer to other parties:

• Single-contractor projects: The contractor assumes client duties.
• Multi-contractor projects: The principal contractor takes on the duties. If no principal contractor is appointed, the leading contractor automatically assumes the role.
• Design-managed projects: If a designer agrees in writing to manage the project, they assume the domestic client’s responsibilities.

Understanding this delegation is vital for main contractors and subcontractors to ensure they meet compliance requirements effectively.

What is the difference between a “client” and a “domestic client”?

The primary distinction lies in the purpose of the construction work:

		Domestic clients commission work for personal use, such as home renovations or family property upgrades.
		Clients, or “commercial clients”, commission work related to business purposes, such as developing properties for sale or managing rental assets.

For domestic clients, duties are often delegated to main contractors or designers as outlined above. Conversely, clients retain full responsibility for planning, managing and monitoring projects. They must also establish “systems and arrangements” to ensure compliance with the Building Safety Act and provide detailed building information throughout the project lifecycle.

Main contractors and subcontractors must clearly identify the client type early in the project to avoid potential compliance risks.

How Constructionline can help

Navigating the responsibilities of domestic clients under the Building Safety Act can be challenging for contractors and subcontractors. That’s where Constructionline comes in.

Whether you’re a main contractor seeking clarity on your inherited duties or a subcontractor ensuring compliance at every stage, our expertise can support you.

• Main Contractors: Explore our BSA Radar tool to streamline compliance tracking.
• Subcontractors: Our BSA Assessments – exclusive to Gold and Platinum members – provide tailored guidance to meet your obligations.

Next steps

Stay on top of your responsibilities under the Building Safety Act.

• Visit our Building Safety Act hub for more resources.
• Sign Up: Complete our main contractor or subcontractor forms to speak with a team member.
• Login: Access your Constructionline account for exclusive tools and guidance.

By understanding and fulfilling the duties of Building Safety Act domestic clients, main contractors and subcontractors play a critical role in ensuring safer, compliant construction projects.